We do miss the dramatic Dale Chihuly sculptures, but when NoMI became NoMI Kitchen last year, the mood swing boded well for business entertaining.

Though the restuarant is 11 years old, the interior and menu were so completely re-imagined that we are calling it new and wonderful.

Like the revitalized Pump Room, this approachable fine dining that’s suitable for wowing a business guest: Check out the 7th-floor, Mag Mile view, the classy service and nuanced food.
Leather-accented wood tables, nicely spaced, have replaced white linens: there’s a gleaming open kitchen on the west wall, soothing decibel levels and new chairs on the way to replace the not-so-comfortable ones.

Chef Ryan LaRoche’s menu is more affordable and varied now, but the same care and attention is still evident in dishes like the luxurious lobster and prawn salad ($16), with its delicate, shallot vinaigrette. He surprises us, too, with the smoky, proscuitto-like flavor of Benton ham on a sandwich with soft, aged brie and sweet apple silvers ($14).

Pastry chef Meg Galus has some beguiling tricks up her sleeve as well: The sweet-sour tingle of her chilled rhubarb and raspberry soup is a love note to spring’s early risers.

The weekend flew by for Chef Ryan and his team who were in Miami as one of the selected 32 restaurants to participate in South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s annual Burger Bash. ABC7’s Hungry Hound reporter, Steve Dolinsky, traveled south (along with 3,500 attendees) to partake in the event. Watch Steve’s recap of the extravaganza:

Spring is all about sunshine, fresh scents, and rejuvenation. So step out of the winter blues and into NoMI Spa for a new seasonal treatment to bring out that springtime glow. Our services will feature invigorating products which include:

Chef Ryan LaRoche and the NoMI Kitchen culinary team are honored to be participating in this evening’s South Beach Food & Wine’s annual Burger Bash, hosted by Rachael Ray. Chef Ryan will be competing with the award-winning 800 Burger, which was the proud winner of Chicago’s Gourmet Fest’s 2010 Hamburger Hop. The triumphant wagyu burger is topped with Neuske bacon, pickled garlic and shallots, Comte cheeses, watercress, and smoked tomato aioli on a rosemary ciabatta bun. Let’s see if South Beach feels the same way about The 800 as Chicago does and dub the burger “The People’s Choice” of 2012.

If you are attending #SOBEWFF make sure to vote for @NoMIKitchen and use the official hashtag: #winningbuns

Join Sofia Solomon and Judy Schad at NoMI Kitchen for an evening of wine, beer and a variety of Judy’s Goat Cheeses. Judy Solomon is the founder of Tekla, Inc. and one of Chicago’s foremost purveyors of fine foods and wines. Judy is a true American farmstead cheesemaker and the co-owner of Capriole Farms in Southern Indiana. She has been making farmstead cheeses and managing her herd of 500 goats for over 25 years.

According to ABC News, Goat Cheese is a top food trend for 2012. Goat cheese is tangy and full of flavor, yet some folks shy away from this creamy delight. Guests will experience a behind-the-scenes Kitchen tour and interactive cheese and wine/beer tasting in our Wine Cellar. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully versatile cheese that will be the feature at NoMI Kitchen’s Spring Masters of Food & Wine Event.

In honor of the 84th Annual Academy Awards, Park Hyatt Chicago will roll out the red carpet and invite guests to enjoy the prestigious award ceremony in the comfort and luxury of their room. Upon check-in, all guests will be presented with an anonymously sleek envelope which will include an exclusive menu for the telecast along with an official Academy Award Ballot for Oscar predictions. The Oscars at the Park menu features a few of Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche’s favorite appetizers:

*Package is all inclusive; no substitutions. Price does not include tax & gratuity*

Package will be available to book starting on Saturday, February 18 for overnight accommodations on Friday, February 24 through Sunday, February 26 with rates beginning at 395 USD. Rates based on double occupancy. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance. To make reservations, or for more information, please call + 1 312 335 1234 or visit www.parkchicago.hyatt.com.

Chicago’s fifth annual restaurant week is launching this Friday and NoMI Kitchen is proud to partake in the festivities. Chef Ryan has created a delicious 3-course lunch menu that will make everyone’s taste buds dance. Per Restaurant Week’s customary $22 prix-fixe, diners will be able to choose dishes from the following menu:

Available:

Friday, February 17th through Sunday, February 26th | 11:30 am to 2:00 pm